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How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

Is your dishwasher leaving dishes less than sparkling? The culprit might be a dirty filter.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning your dishwasher filter to help your appliance run at peak performance.

Where is the filter on a dishwasher?

First things first, how do you find the filter on your dishwasher in order to clean it?

The dishwasher filter is typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher; for most models, it sits under the lower spray arm. To access the dishwasher filter, pull out or remove the bottom rack and look for a cylindrical or flat circular component on the bottom of the appliance.

How do I clean a dishwasher filter?

To clean a dishwasher filter, follow these six simple steps:

  1. Remove.

To remove the filter, twist it and lift it out. If you're unsure how to remove the filter on your specific dishwasher model, check your manual.

  1. Rinse.

Rinse the filter under the tap to remove any larger debris, dirt, or trapped food.

  1. Soak.

Soak the filter in warm, soapy water. Leave it for around 10-15 minutes, or longer if the filter is especially dirty.

  1. Scrub.

Scrub the dishwasher filter gently to remove any leftover food or debris. Pay special attention to any crevices where food can become trapped.

  1. Rinse.

Once you are satisfied that the dishwasher filter is clean, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all soapy residue.

  1. Reinstall.

After cleaning and rinsing your dishwasher filter, ensure it is fully returned to its place before you run your next dishwasher cycle.

How often should you clean a dishwasher filter?

To keep your dishwasher performing at its best, we'd recommend cleaning the filter at least once a month. If you notice any performance issues with your dishwasher, have been washing especially dirty dishes, or live in an area with hard water, you may need to clean your dishwasher filter more frequently.

How do you unclog a dishwasher filter?

If you're noticing any blockages in your dishwasher, or standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher, the issue could come from your filter.

Before you look into plumbing issues, remove the filter, clean it, and check for any blockages. To do this:

  1. Remove, check, and clean the dishwasher filter using the steps we've explained above.
  2. Check and clear the drain hose to remove any deeper blockages.
  3. Check the area around the filter for any larger bits of food or debris.
  4. Clean the spray arms in the dishwasher, paying special attention to any holes or crevices where food may be caught.
  5. Clean the dishwasher by placing a cup of white vinegar in the top rack and running a cycle.

Hoover tips: How to keep your dishwasher and filter clean

To keep your dishwasher and filter clean and ensure your model is running smoothly, we'd recommend the following maintenance tips:

  • Make sure you never run your dishwasher without the filter in place. The filter is there to capture any food, dirt, or debris – removing it and running a cycle means you risk food blockages making their way deeper into the dishwasher and affecting the plumbing.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or any abrasive tools when cleaning your dishwasher and filter.
  • Ensure you're scraping plates before putting them into the dishwasher. Scraping food and debris into the bin means it doesn't make its way into the dishwasher and clog the filter.
  • Deep clean your dishwasher regularly to keep it running efficiently. Our blog post, How to Clean Your Dishwasher, explains everything you need to know about deep cleaning your dishwasher.

Upgrade your dishwasher with Hoover

If you're finding that your current dishwasher isn't performing as well as you'd like, even with regular filter cleaning, it might be time for an upgrade.

At Hoover, we offer a range of innovative dishwashers designed for efficiency and performance. Our models feature advanced filtration systems that are easy to access and clean, helping you maintain sparkling dishes with even less effort.

Explore our dishwasher range to find the perfect model for your kitchen and say goodbye to all your dishwashing woes!